Tuesday, March 8, 2011

MV Agusta has introduced the new Brutale 920 naked sport motorcycle. Leading the list of features is a new 4-cylinder engine with radial valves, Magneti Marelli 5SM engine control module, 8-levels of traction control, and steel tube frame with aluminum side plates.

The 920 motorcycle also features a single-sided swingarm with a Sachs rear shock, a 50mm Marzocchi upside-down front forks, Brembo racing radial calipers, and a new single piece seat that is both lower and narrower than previous Brutale nake bike models.

The 2011 MV Agusta Brutale 920 also gives a new look to the line, with black dominating the new styling of the radiator shrouds and seat. According to an MV Agusta spokesman, "A major focus was also placed on rider comfort with a re-designed single seat that improves both rider and passenger comfort during every day use."

MV Agusta tells us that they worked to make the new Brutale 920 more appealing to the everyday rider. "The single piece seat is both more comfortable for the rider as well as the passenger," the MV insider revealed.

"The turn signals are no longer integrated into the mirrors but have been placed in a position for better visibility during city traffic, the suspension is now softer and more comfortable. A Brutale that is easier to use than ever before but with the same maniacal attention to detail that one has come to expect from MV Agusta."

At the same time, MV Agusta is not abandoning the high-performance rider with the Brutale 920. "The Brutale project continues to remain faithful to the original objectives," MV says. "MV wanted to build the most compact and light weight naked coupled with a superbike chassis together with raw engine performance that would enamor even the most demanding motorcyclist.

The new Brutale 920 definitely has some high-tech credibility. The intake system includes 46mm Mikuni throttle bodies working with a Magneti Marelli 5SM ECU, which controls the fuel injection, ignition and the various maps. There are two engine maps--Normal and Sport--along with 8-position variable traction control.

Putting out a claimed 129 horsepower at its peak, the four-cylinder MV Agusta powerplant is claimed by MV Agusta to have "a broad torque curve. Incredible levels of power have never been this easy to control."

The crankshaft of the Brutale 920 is shared with the 55mm stroke unit in the 1090RR, as well as the 2nd order engine balance shaft and the oiling system and the oil-cooled generator. There are some 920-specific features, including the new cylinder block and 73mm pistons.

MV Agusta also notes that the Brutale 920 has "a cooling system with the radiator catch tank which is now at the same pressure as the atmosphere helping to keep the engine temperature under control even in the most extreme track or city driving conditions."

MV Agusta has stuck with many of the same chassis number as pervious Brutales. The 920 has a 56.3-inch wheelbase, 25-degrees of rake and a hair over four inches of trail. According to MV Agusta, "The new Brutale 920 offers, without a doubt, the best balance of agility and stability."

There are some new chassis twists to the Brutale 920, however. The 920 gets a new steering head with additional rigidity, as well as softer and smoother suspension valving.

Still, the Brutale 920 can have its suspension tuned for track performance, as the shock and forks are fully adjustable. Pirelli supplies the MV Agusta Brutale 920 with Angel tires.